Photo provided Shown left-right are, CFD Chief Andy Lay, BCSO Sheriff Chris Lane, Walfer Juarez Gonzalez, Sgt. Courtney Plummer (who also received a letter of commendation from Chief Steve Norman for going into the pond to attempt to save the driver), Joshua Pennington, Christopher Fitzsimmons, and CPD Chief Steve Norman.
Columbus police, firefighters and the Bartholomew County Sheriff Office honored three individuals with awards for their efforts to save a driver whose vehicle went into a pond off Indianapolis Road on Feb. 11.
Walfer Juarez Gonzalez, Christopher Fitzsimmons, and Joshua Pennington received Community Hero Awards from Columbus Police Chief Steve Norman and commendations from Bartholomew County Sheriff Chris Lane to thank them for their actions that day.
“We are lucky to have outstanding people like this in our community,” said Norman. “They are another example of
what makes Columbus stand out as a great community to live in.”
Columbus police said a vehicle driven by Christopher Pool, 46, Columbus, went into the pond at about 11:31 a.m. on Feb. 11 at North Indianapolis Road and Kenholt Drive. When officers arrived, several people, including those who were honored with the Community Hero Awards, had gone into the water to attempt to pull the driver from the vehicle. CPD officers also went into the pond to assist as the rear end of the vehicle was somewhat visible but was sinking. However, they were not able to get the driver out. The outside temperature was about 33 degrees when they went into the frigid water, investigators said.
Members of the Columbus Fire Department and Bartholomew County Water Rescue Team quickly arrived and deployed rescue boats and divers who removed Pool from the vehicle, and while medical personnel attempted life saving measures, Pool was pronounced dead at the scene.
